what's required to obtain a US drivers license?

[Savroula 0]

Hey everybody

My husband is Greek and has a valid Greek driver's license. He also has his Social Security Number, and has immigrated to the US on a CR1 visa. Does anyone know what he needs to do to obtain a CA license? Does he need the CA license or can he just use the Greek license? If he does need the CA license, does he have to take an exam or can he just trade his Greek license for an American one?

Thanks for your help!

Sarah

[Scott and Mhay 57]

Check this link out:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dlapp_lnks.htm

In short from my take on it, he will eventully have to get a california license. I think he has all the requirements. Just take a written & vision test (since he will be a california resident)

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#2500

If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.

If you become a California resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following:

•Visit a DMV office (make an Appointment(s) for faster service)

•Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)

•Give a thumb print

•Have your picture taken

•Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.

•Verify your birth date and legal presence If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth data/legal presence document, see "True Full Name" and "How to Change Your Name" for more information.

•Provide your true full name

•Pay the application fee

•Pass a vision exam

•Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Sarah,

Scott is trying to be thorough and very helpful in posting the formal information in, but I don't like it as it is confusing. (Nothing personal, Scott.)

- First of all, your husband can use his Greek license until he has a California one, legally (as long as it doesn't take "forever" [as in a year or so]).

- Second: he cannot exchange his Greek license for a California driver license.

- Third: he is now a California resident in the making, and as soon as he has the necessary paperwork to prove that he's a lawful permanent resident of the United States and a resident of California, namely his Green Card, he needs to go to the DMV and apply for a California driver license. He will have to pass the written test, and he will also have to take the driving test. Without his Green Card in hand, the DMV employee will most likely not accept his application, as part of it is "proof of legal presence in the US," which is documented by his GC.

Hope that covers the basics.

[Tahoma 2,292]

This may help.